Just a few days after the Hattiesburg fire chief announced his retirement, Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker has appointed a familiar face to lead the fire department. HFD Assistant Chief Chris Carr was nominated as new chief on Monday by Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. Then-HFD Chief Sherrocko Stewart retired on Dec. 31, 2025.
Now, his assistant chief will step up to the plate. โChris Carr brings deep experience, strong operational knowledge, and a proven commitment to training and professional development,โ Barker said. โHe has been a key part of the leadership team and is well-prepared to lead the Hattiesburg Fire Department moving forward.โ
On Tuesday, the Hattiesburg City Council will vote on Carrโs nomination. Carr has more than 28 years of fire service experience and has served with the Hattiesburg Fire Department since 2018.
Heโs served three years as assistant fire chief. Before he was appointed assistant chief, he was the battalion chief and director of training at the Hattiesburg Police and Fire Academy.
โIt is an honor to be selected to lead the Hattiesburg Fire Department, and I am grateful for the confidence Mayor Barker has placed in me,โ Carr said. โI look forward to building on the strong foundation in place left by Chief Sherrocko Stewart and thank him for his leadership and service to this department and our community.โ
Carr previously served as a senior instructor with the Mississippi State Fire Academy and as fire chief for the City of Poplarville. He also served with fire departments in Poplarville, Diamondhead and Bay St. Louis.
